Lee Carsley ‘didn’t formally apply’ for England job and addresses ‘hopeful’ comments about his future

Lee Carsley has clarified his comments about a return to the England U21 setup, after admitting he ‘didn’t formally apply’ for the senior team job.

Carsley was appointed as the Three Lions’ interim head coach and has been eyed as a potential candidate to take on the role full-time.

Carsley admitted he’d ‘hopefully’ return to the England U21sCredit: GettyHe replaced Gareth Southgate less than a month after the former boss’ exit and has since taken charge of three Nations League matches.

England beat Ireland and Finland but fell to a 2-1 defeat at home to Greece on Thursday night with what was a sub-par performance.

Carsley raised eyebrows in his post-match press conference by saying he’ll ‘hopefully’ return to the U21s after three senior team camps.

READ MORE ON ENGLANDHowever, he has now clarified his comments and admits the reaction is not something he is worried about.

“The hopefully comment, it’s something that I would always say,” he exclusively told talkSPORT’s Faye Carruthers.

“So, I’m going to have my dinner in a bit, hopefully it’s nice, so it’s not something that I’m worried or thought too much about. I’ve got a really good job, I love coaching the U21s, the fact that I was asked to do this job for three camps, really comfortable doing that.

“Hopefully people will say at the end of the three months that I’ve done a good job and done well and that’s fine, and that’s always the case. The most important thing is that the players enjoy playing for England and they’re positive.”

When asked if he made a formal application for the permanent role as England manager when Southgate left, he said: “No, I didn’t formally apply for it.”

“Because, hopefully,” he chuckled in response to being asked why, before adding: “Because I’ve been with the U21s.

“I’m really happy doing my job but I’m an employee of the FA and I was asked to take the senior team which is a privilege, it was the proudest moment of my career so far.

Carsley has now addressed his comment ahead of his fourth match in chargeCredit: Getty

He also admitted that he has not formally applied for the England jobCredit: Getty”Really honoured with the chance to manage the senior team, I’m in a really fortunate position, I’m on the inside and I can see how much potential this team’s got.

“I’ve said all along, it’s one of the best jobs in world football, there’s not many jobs where you’ve got a chance of winning, I believe the coach that comes in has got a really good chance of winning and we deserve the best one that’s out there.

England’s second and final match of the October international break comes away to Finland on Sunday evening, live on talkSPORT.

Jason Cundy labels England’s loss to Greece a ‘SACKABLE’ performance for Lee Carsley

November’s interval provide rematches against Greece and Ireland, with the latter set to be Carsley’s last as interim head coach.

The Football Association’s [FA] attention will then switch to appointing the permanent successor to Southgate.

talkSPORT understands that former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel is keen on the England vacancy.

Tuchel left Bayern in the summer and also understood to have admirers on the board at Premier League giants Manchester United.

The FA are continuing their search for Southgate’s replacementCredit: GettyNewcastle boss Eddie Howe has been a long-term speculated name in the running for the job amid his success on Tyneside.

Read More on talkSPORTHowever, talkSPORT reported on Friday that he would cost around £5million and the FA are reluctant to pay compensation for their next manager.

Graham Potter, formerly of Brighton and Chelsea, is also a contender but talkSPORT also understands that he and Howe have not had any contact from the FA since Southgate left in July.